It was about 4:00 in the afternoon when I entered the nearby
church. I had just wanted to pop in for a quick visit and say hello to the Lord, to
thank him for my day and hopefully find a little refreshment for my soul while
I was there.
Once inside, I noticed a group of young children gathered together.
They were in the pews up front situated close to the statue of Our Blessed Mother;
they looked to be about eight years old and appeared to be very well behaved.
A woman, who I thought might be their C.C.D. teacher, was
leading them in song, an old time classic and one of my favorites, “The joy of
the Lord is my strength”. When they got to the verse, “if you want joy you must
SHOUT for it”, they bellowed as loudly as they could. And when they sang, “if you
want joy you must JUMP for it”, they bounced up and down like little rabbits.
It looked like they had received the joy they were singing
for, I know I sure did!
Joy, it is a small word with a big impact. Once you receive
joy you can’t hold on to it; it cannot be contained. Joy must be shared. It is contagious
and it leads us to a spirit of gratitude and praise. Joy frees us to receive
grace.
When I think back to visit at the church that day, I can’t help
but think of how appropriate it was that the children were gathered close by the statue
of Our Blessed Mother, for she is the cause of our joy because she has brought
us the greatest joy, her son Jesus.
On July 25, 2013, Our Lady of Medjugorje, gave this message
to Marija. This message was meant to be shared with the whole world.
“Dear children! With joy in my heart I call you to live your
faith and to witness it with your heart and by your example in every way.
Decide, little children, to be far from sin and temptation and may there be joy
and love for holiness in your hearts. I love you, little children, and accompany
you with my intercession before the Most High. Thank you for responding to my
call.”
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us, that we may experience
the joy of you have brought us in your son Jesus.
11 comments:
The thing about joy is that sometimes we don't realise how close at hand it is. We're so pre-occupied with our daily routines (and worries) we can't see that in reality we should rejoice.
Someone once asked: why do so many Christians look miserable?
Now there's a question.
God bless you Daily Grace for a wonderful and joyous post.
Good point Victor!
Thank you! I was filled with joy just reading your story. I love that song and will try to keep it with me all day to remind me of the Lords joy.
Thank You Daily Grace
Wonderful Post
No wonder Jesus said we must come to Him as a child! Children really do know how to be joyful, don't they? I can think of some elderly people who are like that, too. Funny how the rigours of life can make us forget so that we have to learn how to be joyful, again.
So much to ponder here!
God bless, Daily Grace:)
Vicky,
The rigors of life do have a tendence to get it the way of many things; you are so right!
Loved the post, thank you for sharing (and for stopping by!). I miss the quiet comfort of a church...Unfortunately on this tiny island, we have none. Then again, God's palette colours our surroundings!
I have to agree with commentator #1...Why is it that we all look so gloomy? We have so much to celebrate!
God bless,
Ahhh "joy is a little word with big impact." Oh that we would shout and jump for joy more often!! His joy he gives so abundantly...Thank you for your wonderful writing. God Bless.
Thank you for stopping by as well Noelle. You are right when you say we have so much to celebrate! I remember the quote form JPII when he said "We are an Easter people and hallelujah is our song".
Mad-Eye Monk, can I call you MEM for short?
Thank you for your visit and for your kinds words regarding my writing.
I enjoyed your blog so much I became a follower. I have listed you on my side-bar so that others can enjoy you as well.
God bless
What a wonderful story DG. I could feel the joy in my heart as I read your account!
God Bless you!
Post a Comment